CO2 Lasers (9.1 μm - 10.9 μm)
The PL series of continuous wave (CW), grating tuned, infrared gas lasers, sets the standards for high power, stable sources for a wide variety of applications:
- Radar modelling
- Non-linear optics
- Interferometry
- Process control
- Atmospheric studies
- Plasma density measurements
Product Description
The PL-series of lasers include grating tuned CO2 lasers with a step tuneable wavelength from 9.1 μm – 10.9 μm with single line powers from a few Watts (Model PL2), to 50 W (Model PL5) and even to 180 W (Model PL6), each characterised by excellent amplitude and frequency stability for the most technically challenging tasks.
The PL2 laser lends itself to flexible tailoring to scientific applications. For example, if used with our 184TS pump station, the laser head can be filled with the desired isotopic gas mix which gives the user access to a range of alternative wavelengths.
The higher power PL-series lasers can be used to optically pump polar gases (for example methanol, formic acid, etc) to create Far-Infrared (FIR) laser emission (Far Infrared/Terahertz lasers). The FIR/Terahertz region (40 μm – 1.2 mm, or 7.5 THz – 0.25THz) can be used for temperature measurement of fusion reactor plasma. There are also many applications in homeland security and scanning, scattering density measurements, radar modelling, etc.
PL2-M / PL2-S (1 W to >10 W output power)
PL3 (>20 W output power)
PL5 (>50 W output power)
PL6 (>180 W output power)
Technical Specifications
| Specification | CO2 | CO2 | CO2 | CO2 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Name | PL2-S | PL2-M | PL3 CO2 | PL5 | PL6 |
| Output Power – flowing (W) | – | – | – | 50 | 180 |
| Output Power – sealed (W) | 1 | 10 | 20 | – | – |
| Number of Lines | 50 | 60 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| M2 | 1.25 | 1.25 | 1.35 | 1.25 | 1.50 |
| Beam Divergence – 1/e2 (mrad) | <7.5 | <6.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Beam Diameter – 1/e2 (mm) | 4.0 | 4.8 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 11.0 |
| Polarisation | Vertical | Vertical | Horizontal | Vertical | Vertical |
| Amplitude Stability | <±1% | <±1% | <±1% | <±1% | <±2% |
| Frequency Stability (kHz/sec) | 200 | 200 | 60 | 500 | 500 |
| Frequency Stability (actively stabilised) (MHz/10min) | ±1 | ±1 | ±1 | ±2 | ±2 |
| Cavity Length (cm) | 42 | 77 | 178 | 183 | 388 |
| Dimensions (L) (cm) | 65 | 110 | 221 | 220 | 220 |
| Dimensions (W) (cm) | 12 | 12 | 52 | 22 | 45 |
| Dimensions (H) (cm) | 13 | 13 | 37 | 22 | 32 |
| Weight (kg) | 18 | 18 | 100 | 36 | 125 |
| Gas Requirements | Sealed / user replenishable | Sealed / user replenishable | Sealed / user replenishable | 1.2 lit/min (flowing gas) | 9 lit/min |
Tuning mechanism: Piezo-ceramic length tuner and diffraction grating wavelength selection
Upgrades
Laser Stabilisers
For applications demanding excellent medium and long tern stability, an active stabiliser may be required. This will compensate for laser output fluctuations caused by changes in ambient conditions and lock the variation in laser frequency or power to a value close to the passive jitter. Edinburgh Instruments has designed a family of active stabilisation techniques appropriate to the type of laser and operating conditions. Stabilisation of laser output is possible for up to 60 minutes.
Laser Pumping and Refilling Systems
All flowing gas laser systems are supplied with the necessary valves, gauges and vacuum couplings for simple connection to the system vacuum pump. A range of turbo molecular and dry pumps are available as upgrades. Please contact us for more information.
Gas Mixing Stations
These are designed to allow mixing and metering of up to 3 component gases from independent gas cylinders. Comprising of 3 inlet ports with individual flow meters or needle valves for gas mixing or gas flow operation.